CSR Portal launched by IREDA to ensure transparency in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives

As part of its observation of Vigilance Awareness Week 2023, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a Mini Ratna (Category – I) Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) portal for enhancing transparency in its CSR initiatives.

The portal is aimed at facilitating transparency in receipt and disposal of CSR requests from various organisations and institutions. It will be accessible to everyone 24×7, with a CSR policy and proposal checklist for examination of CSR requests.

The portal is also expected to contribute to the more efficient execution of IREDA’s social welfare initiatives as part of its CSR efforts, making them readily available to the public. Developed by IREDA’s IT team, the portal can be easily accessed at https://onlinela.ireda.in/OnlineCSR/

Portal launched during Vigilance Awareness Week

The portal was launched during the valedictory function of “Vigilance Awareness Week 2023”, held at the company’s registered office in Delhi. Dr. Praveen Kumari Singh, Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), launched the CSR portal in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA Pradip Kumar Das; Chief Vigilance Officer, Ajay Kumar Sahani, and other senior officials.

Additional Secretary of CVC, Dr. Praveen Kumari Singh shared invaluable insights for promoting vigilance and integrity within organizations. She applauded the unique initiative undertaken by IREDA in 2021, of launching the Whistle Blower Portal, which positioned the company as the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) for providing such an online platform. She also highlighted that IREDA is a key partner in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in combating climate change.

Some CSR initiatives of IREDA for FY 2022-23 are:

—Provided fabrication cost and operational expenses for two Mobile Medical Vans to Samphia Foundation in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

— Supply and installation of 500 LPM Medical Oxygen Generation Plant and 125 kVA Diesel Generator at Community Health Centre in Lar, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh through BHEL.

—Drinking water facility and irrigation source by redeveloping/renovating 13 water wells in Undhithal Village, Gogunda Block, Udaipur, Rajasthan, by Rajasthan Bal Kalyan Samiti(RBKS).

—Installation of 3 kW Solar PV System (off grid) and 50 LPH RO Water vending machine in 65 Government Schools at Chandauli Aspirational District, Uttar Pradesh.

—Health services promotion of the Menstrual Hygiene at Ghorawal Block, Sonebhadra Aspirational district, Uttar Pradesh by Aadhar Nirman Foundation

—Supply & installation of R.O Water Treatment Plants in 23 villages of Vinukonda Assembly Constituency by District Administration- Palande District, Andhra Pradesh.

—Cochlear implant surgery of 3 children from EWS category in New Delhi at Chiranjiv Medical Foundation.

—Supply & installation of 3 Kw Solar PV System (off grid) and 50 LPH RO Water vending machines in 7 Government Schools of Jhanjharpur subdivision, Madhubani District, Bihar.

—Installation of 29.10 kW Rooftop Solar PV System (grid connected) at India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

—Supply & installation of total 170 kW Rooftop Solar PV System (offgrid) at 10 Government Health Centres.

—One 35 kW Roof Top Solar PV Plant and readymade accommodation at Ashrama Premises, Vivekananda Institute of Values, Ramakrishna Mission, Gurugram, Haryana.

—Jan Arogyam Clinic at Nuh Aspirational District, Haryana

—Skill Development Program for Plumber & electrician at Hospete, Vijayanagar, Karnataka by Hindus Sansthan Parishad

IREDA’s commitment to boosting renewable energy

At the launch of the CSR portal, Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy and Corporate Social Responsibility while upholding the values of transparency and ethics. He emphasised that the newly introduced CSR portal symbolises its resolute dedication to these guiding principles, promoting a paperless approach and unwavering determination to better serve communities and stakeholders.

Lately, IREDA has been actively encouraging partnerships with various Central and State agencies as well as financial institutions to leverage its techno-financial expertise for the development of the renewable energy sector.

IREDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Maharashtra in September this year. The MoU comprises several services including co-lending and co-origination support for all Renewable Energy projects, facilitating loan syndication and underwriting, management of Trust & Retention Account for IREDA borrowers, and a commitment to establishing stable fixed interest rates spanning a period of 3-4 years for IREDA borrowings. Under this agreement, Bank of Maharashtra can invest in the Bonds issued by IREDA in accordance with the specified terms and conditions of the offering.

In the month of September, IREDA also signed MoUs with Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda. These agreements aim to empower IREDA to collaborate with UBI and BoB, in co-lending and loan syndication for a wide range of renewable energy projects, including both established and emerging RE technologies.